NRL round 25:
South Sydney v Newcastle,
Saturday 24 August 7:30pm,
Sydney Olympic Stadium
The Gagai Bowl – Jacob v Dane
The Saturday night clash at Homebush clashed with Trinity College’s musical, Mamma Mia. As Mrs Hansen and I enjoyed a hot date, along with about 500 others in the Marnkutyi Parirna Theatre, Gawler, Souths slumped to their fifth consecutive loss – the fifteenth of this forgettable season.
A quick check of the score during interval saw Souths down 12-20 at half time.
I also learned Souths had led 12-6 during the first half, through tries to the enigmatic Taane Milne and the energetic Jack Wighton.
To see the video of Newcastle’s flying mullet winger scoring untouched in the corner did make me wonder how defence coach David Furner would rate his impact since returning to Redfern (Maroubra) …
Post-match, interim coach Hornby lamented Souths basic errors, discipline and ‘bad reads’ in defence that gave Ponga, and others too many opportunities. I seriously wonder: what goes on at training?
The defence: the ‘d’ did tighten there for five weeks mid-season, however now it’s regressed to reserve grade standard.
Damien Cook and Thomas Burgess both have two more games to play in their respective South Sydney chapters. If big Tom gets through Friday night v Penrith, he will run out for his 250th NRL game in the final round.
These two long serving players deserve better from their teammates.
The Clive Churchill-Sam Burgess-Mario Fenech inspirational play(er)
The captain, Cameron Murray. I’m not a stats man to any large extent, however, in a once again soundly beaten side, the skip ran the most metres of any forward on the field.
In a statement that sums up 2024 for South Sydney: Murray will not play again this season due to suspension, his second suspension for the season. Who would have ever thought?
The Phil Blake chip n chase best attacking moment(s):
Wighton: scored a try himself and set up the consolation try for young Tallis Duncan. Like Murray, Jack’s effort in 2024 cannot be questioned.
The Rampling brothers-Les Davidson-Ian Roberts tackle of the match:
Wighton upending Frizell in the 27th minute. Another example of Jack leading by example.
Souths play three-time defending premiers Penrith, at the foot of the mountains on Friday night. The venue is irrelevant. Riff coach Ivan Cleary is concerned the Panthers are below par after two straight losses, with finals looming. I am confident Souths will play the Panthers back into form.
Where will I be on Friday night? The Marananga Wine Show, at Peter Lehmann winery, Tanunda. No decision to make really.
FULL TIME: Newcastle 36 d South Sydney 16
Queensland State of Origin Immortal Dane’s team easily winning the chocolates.
Souths points: tries (3) Milne 16’, Wighton 19’, Duncan 69’. Goals: Myers 2/3
Souths team list: Gray, Gagai, Myers, Milne, Munro, Wighton, Hawkins, Moale, Cook, Keppie, Koloamatangi, Duncan, Murray. bench: Mamouzelos, Host, Burgess, S Mitchell.
Crowd: 9,659
Sin bin: Murray 37’
Penalties: Newcastle 8-4
“Highlights”:
NRL 2024 | Rabbitohs v Knights | Match Highlights (youtube.com)
Press conference:
R.I.T.V. Player of the year points:
3- Cam Murray, 2- Jack Wighton, 1 – Damien Cook
Progressive:
Murray 20, Wighton 16, Gray 15, Cook 14, Koloamatangi 12, Moale and Burgess 9, Duncan 8, Latrell 7, Arrow 5, Gagai 4, Hawkins, 3 Havili & Cody 2, Myers, S Mitchell and Milne 1.
BAROSSA VALLEY RED WINE OF THE WEEK:
Soul Growers Equilibrium Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2022
Soul Growers – Products – Equilibrium GSM 2022
Russel Hansen, South Sydney football club diamond member 6199, lives in Nuriootpa, Barossa Valley, South Australia.
His golden retriever, Murray, is named after the South Sydney captain.
Twitter/X: @Rabbit in the Vineyard @Russel_Hansen
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About Russel Hansen
Russel Hansen Has worked in schools for over thirty years – as a teacher, coach, coach educator, sports coordinator and in pastoral care roles. Whilst at Brisbane Boys’ College as Director of Athletics, he led teams to six GPS premierships in track and field, and cross country. He has coached (athletics) at all levels from school to international. His squad at the University of Queensland (to January 2023) included Lachlan Kennedy OLY, Paris 4x100m relay runner, Australian record holder. He is married to Heidi, a Primary school principal, and is father to two adult daughters. Twitter: @Russel_Hansen
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